ABOUT

ABOUT

ZCD Architects work on a variety of projects across the public and private sectors. We employ a detailed and sensitive approach; from the small-scale infill project to the larger scale master plan and regeneration work. Our extensive research and a dedication to understanding what works for individuals and communities, has put us in an expert position as architects and urban designers, placing people at the heart of development.

WHAT WE DO

ZCD Architects offers architectural design, urban design and research services. Our way of working is mutually beneficial to each approach which means we can offer a full package from community engagement, masterplanning and urban design advice, through to design development and delivery.

Our experience in designing and delivering high quality, award winning buildings means we are able to provide full architectural services on new projects on a range of sizes. We have a particular expertise in gaining planning permission and funding for new proposals in sensitive locations and tight sites.

Our fresh approach to urban design in residential schemes means we can help shape new projects with a view to meeting policy objectives. We are dedicated to working with our clients to create high quality developments that will meet the needs of their communities now and into the future.

WHO WE ARE

Dinah Bornat

Director

Dinah Bornat is a Mayor's Design Advocate for the Mayor of London, a Design Review Panel member for Harrow and and a member of the Hackney Estate Regeneration Design Advice Group. She is a fellow of the RSA.

Dinah has worked on large-scale projects at Edward Cullinan Architects before forming her own practice and then ZCD Architects in 2013. Recent work at ZCD Architects includes Penwortham School extension for Wandsworth Council. She is currently leading on a 19-unit housing development for affordable rent for Catalyst Housing in Buckinghamshire.

Dinah’s research into residents’ use of external spaces in housing developments means she is regularly asked to contribute to publications and participate in events associated with health and wellbeing, social use of space and play. She is actively collaborating with Hackney Council, Harrow Council, Policy Studies Institute, A New Direction, Reading University and others.

Cordula Weisser

Director

Alongside working in practice, Cordula has been teaching for 17 years at universities in the UK and across Europe. Her teaching agendas focus on the potential of architecture to drive social sustainability.

As a director at ZCD she has initiated several projects in Hackney Wick, where she gained an in depth understanding of the complex process of place making as an interplay between government organisation (LLDC), developers, landowners and the existing spirit and history of an area. Her projects include six new built artists studios and a ‘Hostellerie’. She is also leading on the design and development of a mixed use six-storey building in Islington and a new built house in Clapton.

Before co-founding ZCD she was a director at WAG Architecture and started her career as a principal member of FAT. Work included exhibition design, urban intervention projects and projects for art institutions.

Gordon Boyd

Architect

Gordon Boyd joined ZCD Architects in January 2014 and is instrumental in the delivery of our built projects. Gordon has a love for the craft in architecture and is very skilled in the detailing and the delivery of high quality buildings

Previously Gordon worked at Theis and Kahn Architects in Kent, Nixon Tulloch Fortey Architecture in Australia and Roxburgh McEwan Architects in Edinburgh and has been an ARB registered architect since 2008.

Gordon has experience on a variety of projects including private residential, new build houses, new build apartments, work to listed buildings, a new build church and schools.

Rosa Appleby Alis

Architect

Rosa joined ZCD Architects in July 2014. While at ZCD, Rosa has been key in developing residential projects from concept to completion and has specialised in refurbishment and conversion projects. Rosa has a keen eye for colour, pattern and materiality.

Before joining ZCD Architects Rosa worked on urban design projects at Farrells, London and has been an ARB registered Architect since 2016.

For her Part 2 Rosa gained a distinction from Westminster University. Before training to be an architect she gained a first class degree from Goldsmiths College in fine art and history of art.

Ashleigh-Paige (Aggie) Fielding

Architectural Assistant

Aggie joined ZCD Architects in September 2017 following graduating from her Part I degree with a first class honours from the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.

Within her university work, Aggie has put forward an expansive range of socially addressed building proposals, including a large social housing scheme for New York City. Her award winning dissertation research investigated the stigma surrounding the social housing aesthetic within London council estates.

Before joining ZCD Architects, Aggie has also worked for CRAB Architects.

Helen Crombie

Architectural Assistant

Helen joined ZCD Architects in January 2018, having recently moved to London from Susan Stephen Architects in Edinburgh.

Prior to this, Helen completed her Part 1 and Part 2 at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with distinction in June 2015. Her two-year master’s thesis focused on Mumbai; identifying a sensitivity to social and environmental concerns regarding monsoon flooding.

Helen has gained a variety of experienceincluding working with Zvi Hecker Architects in Berlin.

Helen is currently completing her Part 3 at the university of Edinburgh.

SANNA RAUTIO

Architectural Assistant

Sanna joined ZCD Architects in April 2018. Prior to this she worked for a number of London Architecture practices including Duggan Morris Architects and on urban design projects at Farrells.

Sanna completed her Part 2 at the University of Westminster and worked for Urbanus Architecture and Design in Beijing during her Part 1 year out. Prior to starting her architecture studies she gained a degree in Interior and Spatial Design from Chelsea College of Art and Design.

Sanna is currently completing her Part 3 at the University of Westminster.